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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Morocco
Intro to Morocco
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 Northern AfricaMiddle East
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Sand Dunes Horse & Camel Ride
Morocco
Morocco
Experience the spectacular sand dunes of Morrocco and majestic red-gold desert landscapes in the most natural and traditional way - on horseback and astride a camel! This adventure combines the experience of the passionate horse culture here with the local camels use with a mix of nomadic camping and charming Moroccan inn and hotels with local character. This tour begins in Erfoud from where we must travel to meet our string of horses and saddle up for a week of adventure in the desert. Escaping into the mystery of a new and foreign land, we know that the next few days will bring thrilling canters, new and interesting cultural experiences, amazing vistas of golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see, and peaceful grazing camels and tall pink flamingos. Along the way we visit exciting destinations such as the Oasis of Thinghras (the set of many desert movies), the Mausoleum of Moulay Al Cherif, the lake of Dair Srji (where birds flourish and pink flamingos can occasionally be spotted), desert villages such as Erg Chebbi, sand dunes that reach heights of over 200 meters, and small Moroccan settlements where we experience Gnawa music, a mix of sub-Sharan African, Berber and Arabic religious songs and rhythms that is both a prayer and a celebration of life. We will ride camels into the heart of the sand dunes and travel and camp like the nomads. We will wake each morning by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golds of the sunrise as we set off for the day’s voyage. Come enjoy the desert of Morocco on horses and camels – the unique people, animals and their land will make you never want to leave! Near the end of the trip you will be also afforded free time for independent exploration and shopping. Experience the spectacular sand dunes of Morrocco and majestic red-gold desert landscapes in the most natural and traditional way - on horseback and astride a camel! This adventure combines the experience of the passionate horse culture here with the local camels use with a mix of nomadic camping and charming Moroccan inn and hotels with local character. This tour begins in Erfoud from where we must travel to meet our string of horses and saddle up for a week of adventure in the desert. Escaping into the mystery of a new and foreign land, we know that the next few days will bring thrilling canters, new and interesting cultural experiences, amazing vistas of golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see, and peaceful grazing camels and tall pink flamingos. Along the way we visit exciting destinations such as the Oasis of Thinghras (the set of many desert movies), the Mausoleum of Moulay Al Cherif, the lake of Dair Srji (where birds flourish and pink flamingos can occasionally be spotted), desert villages such as Erg Chebbi, sand dunes that reach heights of over 200 meters, and small Moroccan settlements where we experience Gnawa music, a mix of sub-Sharan African, Berber and Arabic religious songs and rhythms that is both a prayer and a celebration of life. We will ride camels into the heart of the sand dunes and travel and camp like the nomads. We will wake each morning by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golds of the sunrise as we set off for the day’s voyage. Come enjoy the desert of Morocco on horses and camels – the unique people, animals and their land will make you never want to leave! Near the end of the trip you will be also afforded free time for independent exploration and shopping.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Ouarzazate
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Airport:
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Ouarzazate
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Transfer:
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Ouarzazate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations - 5 nights in hotels, 2 nights camping and 1 night in nomad camp, meals, 7 riding days
| A | 2012 | 9 day trip, AP | 9d / 8n | €1425 | $1910 |
| Single supplement | €150 | $205 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer is included from Ouarzazate
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities. Dinks in the hotels and alcoholic drinks in the camp
Day 1:
Arrive to Ouarzazate via flight from Casablanca or Paris. Transfer from the airport to your hotel for the evening and rest up from your travels.
Day 2:
We will drive by car through the Valley of Thousand Kasbahs to Tinghir. We will see yellow and red desert valleys change as they become infused with green Palms and the little Kasbahs villages. Once in Tinghir, we will visit the Gorge of Todra. At the end of the 300 m high gorge there is a little passage where the spring water flows from to feed the palm gardens of Tinghir and keep them green.
we continue by car to the horses and Rissani where we shall stay overnight tonight.
Day 3:
In the morning we will have a visit of the town of Rissani, then a short drive to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the first king of the dynasty of Alaouiten. If there is time, we can also check out the souks of Rissani. After lunch we saddle the horses and ride through the palms and little sand dunes. There will be big open planes where we can canter for great lengths. Tonight we will camp in the Oasis of Thinghras! The oasis is a location that has garnered fame for being the setting of many desert films.
Day 4:
Today we will horseback ride through sand dunes and lonely palms, towards the black mountains. The gold and white desert landscape will suddenly morph and you will see the impressive red sand dunes just before we reach the black planes and enjoy thrilling gallops. It will take us about 4 hours to reach the Lake of Srij. After it rains, the waters stay on the plane and many birds live by this lake. We may see the tall pink Flamingo amidst them if we are lucky. Tonight we are welcomed to an auberge directly beside the sand dunes for ultimate impact.
Day 5:
Today we will ride the horses along the biggest sand dunes to Erg Chebbi. It's like riding through an ocean of sands, some of the dunes can reach 200 meters in height. We can try our hand at cantering over the smaller sand dunes - it's a special feeling! It is hard work for the horses to gallop upwards, and then there is a fast and easy descent down the other side! At lunch time we arrive to the Auberge of Erg Cheppi. The horses rest and we will leave with camels into the heart of the sand dunes. We will find nomad tents within the dunes, and then if there is time, we will climb up a sand dune to enjoy the phenomenal sunset. It's a magnificent view over the dunes and far away the red sun will slowly disappear behind the mountains. A typical Moroccan meal is waiting for us in the black nomad tent, where we will spend an authentic evening and adventure with the local nomads.
Day 6:
Early in the morning before the sun rises, we recommend you climb again on the sand dune and watch in fascination as the sun changes the colors of the sands from a cold yellow to a warm rose and brilliant red. After, our breakfast will be waiting for us in the nomad tents. Then we say goodbyes and head off by the slow pace of the camels and we meditate over the tranquility and beauty of the vast desert.
We are rewarded with a nice shower in the auberge, before we depart by car to a little village where we will see witness the Dance of the Gnaoua. This music originates from the heritage of the black people of Morocco. It is a mix of sub-Sharan African, Berber and Arabic religious songs and rhythms that is both a prayer and a celebration of life. We arrive back to the auberge again for a comfortable sleep.
Day 7:
Today by horseback we will follow the sand dunes to the North. We ride through little mountains, cantering over big planes and cross the troughs of empty river valleys. In the afternoon we reach a little mountain chain where you can find fossils. People have taken many fossils out of the grounds here to make tables, plates, ashtrays and other souvenirs. We camp in the immediate area.
Day 8:
Today is our last riding day, bringing us through more little sand dunes, then it will open up again to the big white planes where we will indulge in exciting gallops along the palms of Tafilalet. Here there are many irrigation canals and so you will find that all the fields are very green. Mostly they grow wheats and alfalfa hay for the local livestock. We ride into the middle of the Oasis one last time before we bid farewell to our horses. We depart by car for Ouarzazate where we will have our last dinner together and overnight in a local hotel.
Day 9:
We return you back to the airport for your flight to Casablanca or Paris.
Meeting:
Ouarzazate
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Transfer:
Ouarzazate
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Tack:
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English trekking
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Horses:
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Arab, Berber stallions & mares
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Pace:
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3 to 5 riding hrs per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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The horses are of Arabian and Berber descent - small sized but surefooted and possessing great courage and stamina for brave desert trekking! Our horses are not as big as European or American horses, but they are very strong and are used to this special climate.
What is the required level of riding?
We do ride many hours per day with both mares and stallions, so basically you should be a rider with a good stamina and have some common sense. The stallions require some extra handling as they always feel responsible for the group, but they are well mannered boys otherwise! Here it is normal to ride stallions.
Aren't stallions dangerous?
Yes and no. The stallions are just horses that have a natural leadership urge for "group care" and they do not like to stray too far from the group. When you ride a stallion, you should also pay attention not to get too close to another stallion. But they are just as soft in the mouth and responsive and willing as the other horses, we only ask you to pay attention to whereabouts of the others.
What saddles are provided?
Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle since the long hours require some 'athletic buns'
Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NoteVisitors should ensure that their passports are stamped when they ent. more
Average Temperatures for Errachidia, Morocco:
In the hottest month August, max average temperature is 38 C / 100 F and min average temperatures is 22 C / 72 F
In October and November, max average temperatures are in the mid 20's C / 77 F and min average temperatures is 12 C / 54 F
In January the coldest month, max average temperatures is about 18 C / 64 F and min average temperatures is 4 C / 39 F
In April and May, max average temperatures are in the mid 20's C / 77 F and min average temperatures is 12 C / 54 F
Morocco has a subtropical climate that is tempered by oceanic effects resulting in moderate temperatures. In January, these average 16°C (61°F) and 22°C (72°F) in August. Towards the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer. Thus, in Fès the mean temperature is 10°C (50°F) in January and 27°C (81°F) in August. Some mountain peaks are covered with snow during most of the year.
Rain falls mainly during the winter months and is heaviest in the northwest and lightest in the east and south. The average annual precipitation is about 955 millimetres (about 38 inches) in Tangier, 430 millimetres (17 inches) in Casablanca, 280 millimetres (11 inches) in Essaouira, and less than 102 millimetres (less than 4 inches) in the Sahara.
Sunny weather all year! Isn't that great!? Actually, you can expect warm to hot weather with a nice breeze in the open country. At noon, we typically siesta to stay out of the hottest sun. Expect sunny weather most of the time, so bring light yet comfortable clothes with you. The most comfortable clothes in
warm environments are covering your body yet are light and airy to make
sure that the air can circulate.
Nights can be chilly however, so be sure to take some warm clothes as well. Any moment of the year you may have a thunderstorm - so better you bring a rain coat with you too!
Morocco is a country where almost everybody is Muslim. They are very welcoming towards foreigners, but still it might be better to dress modestly and not to show a lot of uncovered skin, especially when you're a woman.How hot can it be?
You should always have a good suncream with you and on you at all the times. It is also strongly recommended to wear something on your head to avoid a sunstroke.
Additional Recommended Equipment:
* Warm sleeping bag
* Comfortable riding appopriate clothes
* Flashlight
* Multipurpose shoes (riding and walking)
* Non-revealing city clothes for occasional visits to towns and hotels
* A warm sweater and coat
* Raincoat
* Sunhat
* suncream
* swimsuit
* towel
* water bottle
* pocket knife
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
5 nights are in hotels, 2 nights regular camping and 1 night in special nomad camp. The people of the hotels are always very friendly. The rooms are mostly naturally air-cooled and some of the hotels may have sun-warmed swimming pools! The average hotel has a small bar but there is no club or dancing. In general, tap water should not be used for drinking but only for washing.
Morocco is a muslim country so they do not have a rich alcohol culture. Basically, mint tea is the national drink but beer and beverages can only be found in the large cities. On the rides we typically go shopping for some bottles of wine to accompany dinner. Should you wish for beer in the evening, we can always buy some in a large city and take it with us.Errachidia Hotel
Kasbah TINIT
Km 2, Route de Goulmima
Errachidia
Rissani Hotel
Kasbah Ennassra
Route de Rissani
Rissani
Merzouga Hotels
Kasbah le Touareg
Merzouga
Auberge Erg Cheppi Merzouga
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Tack:
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English trekking
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Horses:
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Arab, Berber stallions & mares
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Pace:
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3 to 5 riding hrs per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
|
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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The horses are of Arabian and Berber descent - small sized but surefooted and possessing great courage and stamina for brave desert trekking! Our horses are not as big as European or American horses, but they are very strong and are used to this special climate.
What is the required level of riding?
We do ride many hours per day with both mares and stallions, so basically you should be a rider with a good stamina and have some common sense. The stallions require some extra handling as they always feel responsible for the group, but they are well mannered boys otherwise! Here it is normal to ride stallions.
Aren't stallions dangerous?
Yes and no. The stallions are just horses that have a natural leadership urge for "group care" and they do not like to stray too far from the group. When you ride a stallion, you should also pay attention not to get too close to another stallion. But they are just as soft in the mouth and responsive and willing as the other horses, we only ask you to pay attention to whereabouts of the others.
What saddles are provided?
Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle since the long hours require some 'athletic buns'
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Visitors should ensure that their passports are stamped when they enter the country.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.
Visa Note
(a) Visa extensions are possible upon request at the nearest police station. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Sand Dunes Horse & Camel Ride
Tour Code:
PG-MRSP
9 days /
8 nights
~$1,910.00
Dates :
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English trekking
Horses:
Arab, Berber stallions & mares
Pace:
3 to 5 riding hrs per day.
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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